Talks of Business

[Creutzfeuer]

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"Besprechungsraum Nummer Eins" was as cleanly scrubbed as the hallway leading to it. A rectangular room with only a few adornments over the metal walls, the black carpet being the most exotic decoration.
The room was dominated by a likewise rectangular wooden table with five padded wooden chairs on either side of it.
Two station clerks were standing near the far wall, commanding a sizeable assortment of beverages.
The chairs opposite the entry door were occupied with five people in dark suits, Ebenezer Pyke sitting in their midst, rising when the Direktor entered.
The old man could once have been called a giant, broad and towering. Yet age had diminished this appearance somewhat.
His attempt of straightening up was only partially successful as it was brought to a stop with a twitch that went through the entire body of his.

"Salutations, Mister Hollywood", he intoned, "I am glad to be able to speak with you in person. I am Ebenezer Pyke, manager of this humble business venture. Do please take a seat and feel free to pick any kind of refreshment you fancy.
We have Wine from Gallia as well as Rheinbier. Splendid quality, all of it. Shall Anke", he gestured at the small woman that had led Hollywood through the station, "remain to translate? To bring more fluency to the talks?"

He then sunk back into his chair, grunting quietly from the discomfort of this movement.

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